Charles Keith Middlebrooks, the Dothan Regional airport fire chief, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence on Saturday November 9th. A copy of the citation shows that Middlebrooks was arrested shortly after he was involved in a one car accident that evening.
The Alabama State Trooper who issued the citation alleges that Middlebrooks “did drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol”. The violation took place on Henry County Road 55 near the intersection of County Road 8. It is not believed that Middlebrooks sustained serious injuries when his pickup truck crashed.
Airport Director Art Morris says that Middlebrooks has a temporary driver’s license until his court date which allows him to continue to operate airport equipment. According to airport policy, if Middlebrooks had been convicted and his license suspended, he would not be allowed to operate the equipment until his license was no longer suspended. Morris believes that even though Middlebrooks made “an error in judgment,” that he is a long term and loyal employee who is “not a drunk.”
Records show that Middlebrooks has been employed at Dothan Regional Airport since 1979 and has served as the fire chief since 1991.
Keith Middlebrooks, 53, is scheduled to appear in court on January 8, 2013.
